Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West CenterWith Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Vanuatu Opposition Considers Second Motion Against PMInitial voting fell short as MPs switched sides in parliament

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Dec. 16, 2012) – The leader of Vanuatu’s opposition says it is not ruling out lodging another motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister Sato Kilman but will wait for the outcome of court challenges to recent election results.

Last week’s motion against Mr. Kilman fell short after several MPs who initially supported it voted with the government.

Edward Natapei says the late switches of allegiance by MPs make such motions a waste of time and money and put Vanuatu’s donor partners on the back foot.

"They’re sort of moving back to see how we sort these issues out before they come and talk to us. So even if we get back into government with a small majority that is not going to improve the situation because there are people in this country like the independent MPs who move whatever way the wind is blowing."